What is the ruling when a speaker says 'Aliyya al-talaq' (Divorce is upon me)?
Chapter on Explicit Divorce and Others
Al-Mughni
Book of Divorce
Primary text
The statement 'Aliyya al-talaq' is considered equivalent to saying 'Al-talaq yalzamuni' because whatever is binding upon someone is considered to be upon them, similar to a debt. This phrasing is conventionally used to effect divorce. In cases where the intent is not specified, the ruling regarding whether it constitutes three divorces or one divorce applies.
Supporting text
The more probable ruling for all such phrases is that it counts as a single divorce. This is because common usage does not regard this as three divorces, nor do people typically understand the definite article 'al' (the) to imply totality (three). When confronted, they deny having issued three divorces, believing only one occurred; therefore, the context of their presumed intent dictates one divorce.